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We have a passion for delivering responsible business practices, driving efficiency gains, and safe guarding the natural and social environment. Our multi-disciplinary team is made up of leading scientific and business professionals.
Stewart Moore is one of the Asia Pacific’s most experienced planning and management consultants. He has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of disciplines from business and strategic planning, policy development, tourism destination management and marketing, sustainability, risk management and corporate and social responsibility.
Melinda Watt began her career as an industrial chemist, but since she stepped into the world of EarthCheck she has transitioned from scientist to senior executive of the company and finally to shareholding director. Today she performs all these roles simultaneously, while leading a team of inspiring young professionals.
David Simmons is Emeritus Professor of Tourism at Lincoln University and a global specialist in destination management. From 2008 to 2010 he was Director of Research for the Australian Federal Government’s ‘Sustainable Tourism CRC’, and has contributed to numerous national and local tourism planning exercises in his home New Zealand, and Asia and. He is committed to pushing the frontiers of tourism science and chairs the EarthCheck Research Institute.
With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry in business development and operations, André is responsible for evangelising the EarthCheck brand through luxury niche & multi-brand portfolio operations, hotel developments, destinations and ESG teams. André holds a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise from Griffith University, a Swiss Hotel Association Advanced Diploma of International Hotel Management and a Diplôme de Culinaire from Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
Nigel joined EarthCheck in 2013. Prior to joining the team, he played a leading role in England’s regional tourism sector, with Heart of England Tourist Board and as Head of Tourism with Advantage West Midlands – the regional economic development agency. He has an extensive tourism development track record, working with local, regional and national partners to support the growth of tourism businesses and destinations. Nigel has been a lifelong Glasgow Rangers fan, but since joining EarthCheck and moving to Brisbane, has adopted the state team, the Broncos.
Debra’s journey with EarthCheck commenced in July 2022. For more than 12 years, Debra’s passion for connectivity and teamwork has been evident in how she leads her people with strong technical capabilities to deliver innovative outcomes for her clients.
She has 25 years of senior executive finance experience in local and international roles across many sectors, including logistics, industrial, financial and professional services. She has held several positions within each, leading specialised teams with specialisation in financial management, business partnering, performance improvement, business systems, mergers and acquisitions and project management. Debra is a keen angler outside of her business.
Laisa has over 8 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. She has worked for various industries, such as Mental HealthCare, Automotive and Software Development Services. Laisa held different roles in the IT world, starting as an ERP Consultant managing and implementing projects. As a Business Process Analyst, mapping and improving business processes. At EarthCheck, she is a Senior Business Analyst, helping bridge the various departments to the Software Team. Originally from Brazil, she completed her Bachelor in Information System and a Post-graduation in Business Process Management. Laisa has been in Australia for over six years. She loves dancing samba and playing volleyball.
Joshua has been with EarthCheck since March 2022, working with EarthCheck’s Benchmarking data, producing group reports for corporate clients, and assisting with other queries and requests from clients. Joshua joined EarthCheck after completing a Bachelor of Science Honours majoring in Environment and Sustainability, and previously having completed a dual degree Bachelors of Mathematics (Statistics) and Science (Zoology). Joshua is analytically minded and loves working with numbers and spreadsheets. On a personal note, Joshua considers his spirit animal to be an Echidna; and he likes to enjoy his time outside the office by watching NRL and tennis.
Natasha joined EarthCheck having spent four years leading the policy and research team for the peak body for tourism in Queensland. She has a strong understanding of the political systems that govern and shape the tourism industry and how they can strengthen, or inhibit, industry success. Prior to her time at QTIC, Natasha completed her PhD at Griffith University, Brisbane. Her thesis focused on the relational ties between destination management organisations and tourism and hospitality organisations and the impact they have on destination brand buy-in. Before her post-graduate studies, she gained operational experience in luxury hotel groups in Australia and the UK and spent time working across Europe for a major UK tour operator.
Originally from Cartagena, Colombia Rosanna relocated to Australia in 2020 to study for her Graduate Certificate in Sustainability at the University of Sydney. She also lived a year in Spain, where she completed her Master’s in Government and Public Administration from the Complutense University of Madrid. With more than 10 years of experience working in the public and private sector, she has a well-rounded skill set in project management and stakeholder management. She is passionate about sustainability and providing excellent customer service. An energetic and driven person, with an interest in accomplishing work that matters and has a positive impact on sustainable development. Her mission at EarthCheck is to guide members and destinations across the globe, to successfully measure and monitor sustainability performance and achieve their sustainability goals.
Sarah was born in Germany, where she studied International Tourism Management and later Health Management in Tourism in Austria and Malaysia. She worked and travelled in Australia and South-East-Asia before moving to Austria. After working as a Management Trainee, Spa and Thermal Spa Manager for five years, she relocated to South Tyrol, Italy. Sarah joined the EarthCheck Team as Relationship Manager in December 2021 and is now supporting individual members in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East as well as several member groups such as Kempinski, Sircle Collection and Pride of Britain. Sarah is passionate about sustainability, cycling, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing and diving. Sarah’s mother tongue is German, she speaks English fluently and knows basic Italian and Spanish.
Skye joined EarthCheck at the start of 2022 to assist the Consulting team in a range of day-to-day activities and projects. With 3 years’ experience as a travel agent, and a background in finance, Skye brings a commercial logic to the team. Having recently graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Tourism Management, Skye has a strong working knowledge of key tourism markets and destinations as well as their involvement within the macroenvironment. Skye is experienced in handling Tourism Research Australia data, providing tailored results and insights to numerous EarthCheck projects.
Originally from Cordoba, in central Argentina, Romina has spent the last four years working and studying in Australia. Her academic qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Business (Applied Finance major) from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina). With extensive experience in the hospitality industry and over 10 years’ experience in customer service roles, Romina is excited and committed to supporting her members along their journey to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Jennifer is the Relationship Manager for our members in Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia, as well as for a number of key worldwide corporate groups. She was born in Barcelona, Spain, and in addition to her native languages, Spanish and Catalan, she is fluent in English and speaks some French and Russian. Jennifer holds a Business Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Barcelona and an MBA (High Distinction) from Kaplan Business School, Brisbane. She has worked in Accounting and Finance departments and also has several years of customer service experience, working always in multilingual and multicultural environments. Jennifer loves travelling, is passionate about nature and the environment, and has the desire to contribute to build a sustainable planet.
Sajita joined the EarthCheck team recently as the Relationship Manager for Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris – worldwide. She is an Indian- originally from Pune, which is her main reason of excitement to assist a native brand. Having lived in India since childhood, she studied her bachelors in Science- Hospitality Studies from the University of Pune. Her passion for the industry brought her to Australia to pursue her Masters in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management from the University of Queensland. She also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources with higher distinction from the University of Pune and has completed a number of certifications which are ISO certified. Her fluency in English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu and a couple of other regional languages gives her an ability to cater to multilingual and multicultural clients. At EarthCheck she is exploring the different areas of sustainability and is excited to assist her clients in contributing to destinations and the environment in a personalized manner.
Wayne Carlson has over 30 years involvement with tourism in research, strategy, brand, marketing and management – across destinations, events, attractions, transport, major venues and hospitality. He has extensive experience in the domestic market, as well as Europe, UK, North America and Asia. Wayne was a member of the national Tourism Research Committee for four years and led one of Australia’s largest travel consumer research studies. He has collaborated with a range of global brands as partners and lectured on tourism, events and brands at tertiary level.
After starting in tourism with theme parks, today Wayne is one of Australia’s most experienced tourism analysts, and brings a global view and his significant consumer and industry insights to assist with understanding and shaping successful strategies for destinations, industry and government, across the world.
Bingni joined EarthCheck in May 2019 as the dedicated Corporate Relationship Manager for Capella Hotels & Resorts, Kerzner International, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Wharf Hotels worldwide. A Chinese native from Shanghai (China), she have spent a total of 2 years living and studying in Australia. Bingni completed her Master’s degree in Communication from The University of Queensland and she also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Fudan University, China. With previous academic knowledge in the field of public relations and professional communication, and working experience as Executive Assistant in Sodexo China, Bingni is excited and committed to supporting her members along their journey to help achieve sustainable outcomes.
Bio to come
Zoe is a Sustainability Officer at EarthCheck, with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management (Honours), majoring in Sustainable Development. As a Sustainability Officer, Zoe supports the Benchmarking and Certification team through data analysis, training development and relationship management. Growing up in Regional NSW, Zoe has had a connection to the environment throughout her life, inspiring her passion in areas such as coastal management and cultural heritage.
Ryder is a Sustainability Officer at EarthCheck, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Tourism and Hospitality Management, majoring in Tourism Management. He is well versed in sustainability practices and how they provide a framework for improved tourism operations. As a Sustainability Officer, Ryder supports the Benchmarking and Certification team through data analysis, project research, business support services, and report delivery. Having grown up in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Ryder has developed a strong connection to diverse ecosystems in which many tourism businesses operate. As such, Ryder is committed to driving sustainability within tourism procedures and aims to work with EarthCheck in delivering sustainability as a core business value.
Amelita joined EarthCheck in 2015 as our Sales Support Specialist. With a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Amelita has worked with various companies from different industries including insurance, logistics, consumer electronics, and KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) focusing on sales and business development. With 18 years’ experience, Amelita brings a wealth of experience into the role and liaises closely with our sales partners. She loves spending time with her family and exploring beautiful places.
Rhizza joined EarthCheck recently as a Sales Support Specialist working hand in hand with Amelita in Cebu, Philippines. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and has worked for 15 years with a shipping company then a courier company as a Customer Service Coordinator and as a Sales Account Executive respectively. She received an award in 2015 as a Top Sales Contributor in her assigned region as she was a dedicated and hardworking person. Rhizza also serves as a Sunday School teacher at their church and loves baking during her spare time.
With a drive to improve business processes and the customer journey through information technology, Clea has solid experience in identifying areas for improvement and developing effective solutions to increase efficiency and productivity. As Business Analyst, Clea is dedicated to helping EarthCheck deliver quality systems and product functionality to support our members. With over 15 years experience working across industries, including digital marketing, design and engineering, she brings a well-rounded approach to her work and the confidence to learn and execute quickly. Clea enjoys her garden, meeting up with friends, travel and painting.
Elizabeth joined EarthCheck at the start of 2022 to assist the Consulting Team with projects, and the Benchmarking Team to support members in gaining EarthCheck certification. With a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) from the University of Queensland, Elizabeth provides a holistic view to tourism planning and destination management, as well as an eye for detail with data analysis. Elizabeth’s sustainability mindset is invaluable to providing support to a variety of projects within EarthCheck.
Emily worked for EarthCheck and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council in 2022 as a receptionist, but in early 2023, moved into a Project Officer role within the EarthCheck Consulting team. She has a Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism with distinction from Central Queensland University. Having worked in various iconic tourism and hospitality businesses over the past eight years, Emily has a deep understanding of the industry and is passionate about the use of tourism to encourage sustainability at destinations worldwide. Emily loves to travel internationally and spends most of her weekends relaxing or bodyboarding at the beach.
Helen joined in the EarthCheck in November 2019. She maintains daily financial happenings within EarthCheck.
With 15 years of experience in commercial accounting fields ,Helen is very proactive and dedicated to ensuring all our accounting needs are taken care of.
Isabelle joined EarthCheck’s at the start of 2023, and comes from a sustainable design background, studying a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Architecture with an Urban and Regional Planning minor. Isabelle works in the Design and Certification team to help clients and project teams to optimise their sustainability approach for destination certification, and with the training and development of our global portfolio of EarthCheck Design Accredited Professionals. Growing up in between rural Victoria and the Sunshine Coast, Isabelle had the opportunity to experience the diversity of the Australian landscape, which inspired her passion to be a part of a sustainable design future.
There are more than 476 million Indigenous Peoples, found in all regions of the world, from the Arctic to the tropical forests. They make up more than 6 per cent of our global population.
In the spirit of reconciliation, EarthCheck acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout the world and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous Peoples today.
EarthCheck acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are guardians of the forests and biodiversity hotspots we all depend on. Research shows that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples, with secure rights, experience lower deforestation rates, store more carbon, hold more biodiversity, and benefit more people than other lands — including protected areas.
We recognise and support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for Indigenous Peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices.
EarthCheck science and products were developed by the Australian Government Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC) over ten years. Our science is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets international standards relative to greenhouse gas protocols, responsible tourism, and certification.
EarthCheck products and services are built on the Agenda 21 principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the United Nations Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and aligned to the SDGs.
EarthCheck Certified provides a framework for organisations to achieve the desired outcomes for sustainable development as set out in the final report of the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
EarthCheck Certified complies with the Mohonk Agreement (2000), which outlines the guidelines and principles for an international sustainable tourism certification program. It is also a Recognised program of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
EarthCheck Certified is a verification standard accepted by CDP. It is also an approved program of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA), London & Partners, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) and the City of Sydney.
EarthCheck Certified is an approved program for meeting the EU Energy Directive for the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) in Germany and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) in the Netherlands.
EarthCheck partners with international research organisations to maintain the currency of EarthCheck science and our benchmarking systems.
The EarthCheck brand signifies scientific excellence, better environmental, economic, and social performance, improved community interactions, and savings through more efficient use of resources. It provides recognition and promotional support to a global consumer market.
